AFL
- THE state government is still considering the case to back the AFL’s mooted $300 million redevelopment of Etihad Stadium and surrounds. The State Government taskforce is also assessing Collingwood president Eddie McGuire’s dream for a 60,000-seat stadium to be built next to the MCG. Sources said the taskforce could report as soon as next month
- The league is keen on running an eSports tournament at Etihad Stadium, which it assumed ownership of last October, and wants AFL clubs to sponsor or create their own eSports teams, as some have with AFL Women’s and Super Netball.
- AFL clubs can expect a rush for contracts next week if the players endorse their union recommendations on a new pay deal.
A-league
- A-LEAGUE clubs have walked out of a meeting with Football Federation Australia after rejecting a redistribution offer from head office. Adelaide United chairman Greg Griffin, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, said clubs had unanimously turned down an increased annual distribution of $3.25 million. Additional coverage [Fairfax News][The Australian]
- EFFORTS to move the NSW Waratahs game away from Allianz Stadium on Saturday night to save the pitch for the A-League grand final have collapsed, with logistical issues proving too complicated to overcome. To have moved the game to North Sydney Oval would have required the the Waratahs to be compensated significantly, not least as the venue holds only 15,000 spectators, and no agreement could be reached. Additional Coverage [Fairtfax news][The Australian]
- Football Federation Australia has implored the SCG Trust to ensure Sunday’s A-League grand final is played on the best possible pitch after pleas for the NSW Waratahs to shift their Super Rugby game to another venue failed.
NRL
- COWBOYS coach Paul Green has called for a radical overhaul of State of Origin as the NRL confirmed the Anzac Test is headed for the scrapheap. Green has turned up the heat on the NRL over scheduling, calling for the code’s showpiece event — State of Origin — to be played in October after the grand final.
Other
- The WNBA announced on Tuesday that 20 games would be livestreamed on Twitter over the next three seasons as part of a deal with the social media company. The deal also includes 40 highlight packages a week to be featured across Twitter.
- Nine Entertainment Co chief executive Hugh Marks has shot down speculation the network can’t afford to bid for cricket rights but highlights that cricket lacks the dependability of the AFL and rugby league seasons.
